Process for optically determining the meat-to-lard-ratio in for instance slaughtered animals

Abstract

By a process for optically determining the meat-to-lard-ratio in for instance slaughtered animals, a probe is inserted perpendicular to the surface of the animal. This probe (7) comprises at least two light fibres (1, 2) opening on to the surface of the probe and communicating at the opposite end with means for transmitting and receiving red light of a predetermined wave length. The signals received are measured relative to a reference value automatically determined as the mean value of the lowest reflection values. This process is so sensitive that even the degree of marbling may be measured.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for optically evaluating the meat-to-lard-ratio in slaughtered animals or portions thereof, comprising: inserting a probe comprising at least one light means including at least one transmitter transmitting light of a predetermined color and at least one receiver, said transmitter and receiver being located opposite or behind a cutting edge of said probe, substantially perpendicularly to a surface of a slaughtered animal or portion thereof,   transmitting red light in a very narrow frequency band about a predetermined wave length,   measuring reflected signals relative to a reference value automatically determined as the mean value of the lowest value in a series of received signals, and   recording reflection versus penetration depth.   
     
     
       2. A process according to claim 1, wherein more than one light means is employed, said light means being located in substantially the same axial position.